Surgical stapling device with triple leg staples

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device is described having a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge having a series of tri-staples which are supported and configured to be rotatably ejected from the staple cartridge into the anvil assembly to suture tissue. The manner in which the staples are supported and ejected from within the staple cartridge facilitates the use of a tool assembly of reduced diameter that includes staples capable of suturing thicker tissues than would normally be associated with tool assemblies with such a reduced diameter. A tri-staple is also described that can be ejected from the surgical stapling device. In embodiments, the tri-staple includes three legs of different lengths. Each of the legs is configured to provide a different degree of compression when applied to tissue. In addition, each of the staple legs has a D-shaped configuration when deformed.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical staplers and, more particularly, to surgical staplers for endoscopic use. The present disclosure also relates to triple leg staples for use with endoscopic surgical staplers.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical staplers typically include a cartridge housing a plurality of staples, an anvil for forming the staples as the staples are ejected from the cartridge, and a knife to effect simultaneous dissection and suturing of tissue. When compared to applying manually threaded sutures, the use of surgical staplers to suture and dissect tissue has increased the speed of the surgical procedure and thus, minimized patient trauma.

In an endoscopic surgical procedure, a surgical stapler is inserted through a small incision in the skin or through a cannula to access a surgical site. Due to the complexity of known surgical staplers as well as the staple size requirements of known staple forming apparatus, a continued need exists for small diameter surgical staplers suitable for endoscopic use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device having a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly having a series of triple leg staples which are supported and configured to be rotatably ejected from the cartridge assembly into the anvil assembly to suture tissue. The manner in which the staples are supported and ejected from within the staple cartridge facilitates the use of a tool assembly of reduced diameter that includes staples capable of suturing thicker tissues than would normally be associated with tool assemblies with such a reduced diameter.

The present disclosure is also directed to a triple leg staple that can be ejected from the presently disclosed surgical stapling device. In embodiments, the triple leg staple includes three legs of different lengths. Each of the legs is configured to provide a different degree of compression when applied to tissue. In addition, each of the staple legs has a D-shaped configuration when deformed.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The tool assembly includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body defining a plurality of pockets and at least three longitudinal channels and a plurality of staples supported with the cartridge body. Each of the staples has a first leg, a second leg and a third leg of different lengths. The first and second legs are interconnected by a backspan and the third leg being secured to the backspan. The backspan of each of the staples is rotatably supported within a respective one of the pockets. A sled includes a plurality of firing cams. Each of the firing cams is positioned to engage one of the first, second, or third legs of the plurality of staples. The sled is movable through the cartridge body to rotate and eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge assembly.

In embodiments, the cartridge body defines a longitudinal knife slot and the at least three longitudinal channels includes three longitudinal channels positioned on a first side of the longitudinal knife slot and three longitudinal channels positioned on a second side of the longitudinal knife slot.

In some embodiments, the plurality of staples includes a first row of staples supported on the first side of the longitudinal slot and a second row of staples supported on the second side of the longitudinal slot. Each of the legs of the plurality of staples in the first row of staples is positioned in a respective one of the three longitudinal channels on the first side of the longitudinal knife slot, and each of the legs of the plurality of staples in the second row of staples is positioned in a respective one of the three longitudinal channels on the second side of the longitudinal knife slot.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of firing cams includes six firing cams, wherein each of the firing cams is positioned to translate through one of the longitudinal channels defined in the cartridge body.

In embodiments, the staple backspan includes a U-shaped portion and two linear portions and the third leg is secured to the U-shaped portion of the backspan.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion extends distally between the first and second legs and the third leg is rotatably supported to the distal end of the U-shaped portion of the backspan.

In certain embodiments, the two linear portions of the backspan are pivotally supported within the plurality of pockets.

In embodiments, each of the pockets includes a resilient retaining feature to secure the backspan within a respective pocket.

In some embodiments, a drive assembly includes a drive member and a working member secured to a distal end of the drive member, wherein the drive member has a proximal end adapted to engage an actuator device.

In certain embodiments, the working member includes an upper beam, a lower beam, and a vertical strut interconnecting the upper beam and the lower beam. The vertical strut has a cutting edge and is positioned to translate through the longitudinal knife slot.

In embodiments, the anvil assembly defines a channel that receives the upper beam and the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel that defines a longitudinal slot that receives the vertical strut, wherein the upper beam is movable along an outer surface of the cartridge channel to define a maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

In some embodiments, the third leg of each of the plurality of staples is axially offset from the first and second legs.

In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of firing cams includes a curved nose and a ramp, the curved nose being positioned to engage and rotate a respective one of the first, second, or third legs of the plurality of staples and the ramp being positioned to disengage the plurality of staples from the pockets of the cartridge body.

In embodiments, the ramp has a height greater than the height of the curved nose.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a surgical triple leg staple includes a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a backspan. Each of the first, second, and third legs are of different lengths. The first and second legs are interconnected by the backspan and the third leg is secured to the backspan.

In embodiments, the staple backspan includes a U-shaped portion and two linear portions, and the third leg is secured to the U-shaped portion of the backspan.

In some embodiments, the third leg is rotatably secured to the backspan.

In certain embodiments, the U-shaped portion extends distally between the first and second legs and the third leg is rotatably supported on the distal end of the U-shaped portion of the backspan.

In embodiments, the two linear portions of the backspan engage a proximal end of the first and second legs, respectively.

In some embodiments, the first and second legs are axially offset from the third leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device with the tool assembly in an open position;

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view from the distal end of a stapler reload of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view from the proximal end of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective, exploded view of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of two rows of triple leg staples of a cartridge assembly of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of a left sided triple leg staple of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 8B is a side perspective view of a right sided triple leg staple of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the left sided triple leg staple shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the right sided triple leg staple shown in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 10A is a top view of the left sided triple leg staple shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the right sided triple leg staple shown in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view from the distal end of a sled of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view from the proximal end of a sled of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sled shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the sled shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the sled shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the anvil of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 18-18 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool assembly of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2A with the tool assembly in a clamped position;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the cartridge assembly of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 24-24 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 27-27 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 28-28 of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 29A-31C are side cross-sectional views of the tool assembly of the stapler reload shown in FIG. 2 showing different stages of deformation of the legs of the triple leg staples;

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a deformed triple leg staple of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 33 is a side view of the tool assembly of an alternate embodiment of the stapler reloads shown in FIG. 2 including a buttress material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed endoscopic surgical stapler including triple leg staples for endoscopic use will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to the portion of the device that is closer to a clinician, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to the portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term “endoscopic” is used generally to refer to endoscopic, laparoscopic, or arthroscopic devices or procedures as well as any other surgical device or procedure that is configured to extend or be performed through a small incision or a cannula inserted into a patient's body. Finally, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel.

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device having a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly having a series of triple leg staples which are supported and configured to be rotatably ejected from the cartridge assembly into the anvil assembly to suture tissue. The manner in which the staples are supported and ejected from within the cartridge assembly facilitates the use of a tool assembly of reduced diameter that includes staples capable of suturing thicker tissues than would normally be associated with tool assemblies with such a reduced diameter.

The present disclosure is also directed to a triple leg staple that can be ejected from presently disclosed surgical stapling device. In embodiments, the triple leg staple includes three legs of different lengths. Each of the legs is configured to provide a different degree of tissue compression when applied to tissue. In addition, each of the staple legs has a D-shaped configuration when deformed.

FIG. 1-2B illustrate the presently disclosed surgical stapling device 10 which includes an actuating device 12 having a handle assembly 12 a, a body portion 14 that extends distally from the handle portion 12 a, and a stapler reload 100 supported on a distal end of the body portion 14. The distal end of the body portion 14 is adapted to releasably engage a proximal end of the reload 100 such that actuation of the actuating device 12 effects operation of the reload 100. Suitable actuating devices are disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361 (“361 patent”) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,924 (“924 patent”) which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Although the presently disclosed actuating device is illustrated as a manually actuated handle assembly, it is envisioned that other known actuating devices including robotic devices, motorized devices, and/or electrically or mechanically driven devices can be used to actuate the reload 100. It is also envisioned that the presently disclosed surgical stapling device 10 and the reload 100 can be integrally formed such that the reload 100 is not separable from the actuating device 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-3, the reload 100 includes a proximal body portion 110 and a tool assembly 114. The proximal body portion 110 includes an inner housing 116 (FIG. 18) including an upper housing half-section 116 a and a lower housing half-section 116 b. The housing half-sections 116 a and 116 b define channels that slidably receive a drive member 118 and an articulation link 120. The inner housing 116 is received within a proximal body tube 125.

Referring to FIG. 3, the drive member 118 supports a drive coupler 123 that is adapted to engage a control rod (not shown) of the actuating device 12 (FIG. 1) to operate the tool assembly 114 of the reload 100. The articulation link 120 has a proximal end that is configured to engage an articulation link (not shown) of the actuating device 12 and a distal end pivotally connected to the tool assembly 114. Operation of the drive coupler 123 and the articulation link 120 are described in the '361 patent and will not be described in further detail herein.

A distal end of the drive member 118 is coupled to a working member 122 such as by welding to form a drive assembly 124. Alternately, other securement techniques can be used to secure the distal end of the drive member 118 to the working member 122. In one embodiment, the working member 122 includes an upper beam 126, a lower beam 128 and a vertical strut 130 interconnecting the upper and lower beams 126 and 128. A cutting edge 130 a is formed or supported on a distal side of the vertical strut 130. The vertical strut 130 is configured to translate through the tool assembly 114 when the tool assembly 114 is actuated by the actuating device 12 to fire the staples and dissect tissue as will be discussed in further detail below.

The tool assembly 114 includes an anvil assembly 132 and a cartridge assembly 134. The anvil assembly 132 includes an anvil body 136 and an anvil plate 138. The anvil body 136 and the anvil plate 138 are secured together such as by welding to define a channel 140 that is dimensioned to receive the upper beam 126 of the working member 122. The anvil plate 138 includes a tissue contacting surface 142 (FIG. 16) that defines a plurality of staple deforming recesses 144 as discussed in further detail below and a longitudinal knife slot 146 configured to receive an upper end of the vertical strut 130 such that the upper beam 126 is received in the channel 140.

The cartridge assembly 134 includes a channel member 150, a cartridge body 152, and a plurality of triple leg staples 154. The channel member 150 includes a pair of spaced sidewalls 156 that define openings or recesses 158. The cartridge body 152 is configured to be received within the channel member 150 and defines protrusions 160 that are received within the openings or recesses 158 of the channel member 150 to secure the cartridge body 152 within the channel member 150. The cartridge body 152 and the channel member 150 define longitudinal slots 162 and 162 a respectively to facilitate passage of the vertical strut 130 of the working member 122 such that the lower beam 128 is positioned along an outer surface 150 a of the channel member 150.

When the tool assembly 114 is actuated by the actuating device 12, the working member 122 is translated through the tool assembly 114. As this occurs, the vertical strut 130 of the working member 122 translates through the longitudinal slot 146 of the anvil plate 138 and the longitudinal slots 162 and 162 a of the cartridge body 152 and channel member 150 to dissect tissue clamped between the anvil plate 138 and the cartridge body 152. In addition, the upper beam 126 translates through the channel 140 defined between the anvil body 136 and the anvil plate 138 and the lower beam 128 translates along the outer surface 150 a of the channel member 150 to move the tool assembly 114 to the approximated position and to maintain a maximum tissue gap between the anvil plate 138 and the cartridge body 152 during staple firing.

The tool assembly 114 is coupled to the proximal body portion 110 of the stapler reload 100 by a mounting assembly 170. The mounting assembly 170 is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly 114 and pivotally secured to the distal end of proximal body portion 110 such that pivotal movement of mounting assembly 170 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of proximal body portion 110 effects articulation of the tool assembly 114.

Mounting assembly 170 includes an upper and a lower mounting portion 172, 174, respectively. Each of the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 includes a centrally located pivot member 176. A coupling member 180 interconnects each of the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 with the distal end of the proximal body portion 110 of the stapler reload 100. More specifically, each of the coupling members 180 defines an opening 182 and an interlocking proximal portion 184. Each of the openings 182 is configured to receive a respective one of the pivot members 176 of the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 to pivotally secure the tool assembly 114 to the proximal body portion 110. Further, each of the interlocking proximal portions 184 is configured to be received within a correspondingly shaped groove 186 formed in the proximal end of upper and lower housing halves 116 a, 116 b to retain mounting assembly 170 and upper and lower housing half-sections 116 a, 116 b, respectively, in a longitudinally fixed position in relation to each other.

In embodiments, the upper and lower mounting portions 172, 174 are secured together using pins or rivets 190 and the lower mounting portion 174 is secured within a proximal end of the anvil body 136 using screws 192. The screws 192 may also extend through openings 194 and 196 in the anvil body 136 and the channel member 150 to pivotally secure the channel member 150 to the anvil body 136.

A pair of blow out plate assemblies 200 are positioned adjacent the distal end of proximal body portion 200 adjacent the distal end of drive assembly 124 to prevent outward buckling and bulging of drive member 118 during articulation and firing of stapling device 10. In addition, a locking member 202 is supported on a proximal end of the proximal body portion 110 and is movable from a first position in which locking member 202 maintains drive assembly 124 in a ready-to-load position to a second position in which drive assembly 124 is free to move axially. The blow out plate assemblies 200 and the locking member 202 are described in the '924 patent above and will not be described in further detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the cartridge body 152 defines three longitudinal channels 204 on each side of the longitudinal slot 162 that receive staple legs of the triple leg staples 154 as discussed in further detail below. The three longitudinal channels 204 are separated by a pair of dividing walls 206. Each of the dividing walls 206 defines a series of pockets 208 positioned to receive a backspan 240 of a triple leg staple 154. Each of the pockets 208 has a narrow inlet 210 such that the backspan 240 of a triple leg staple 154 is received within a respective pocket 208 in a snap-fit type manner. The narrow inlet may be defined by a resilient retaining feature 208 a, such as a bump or protrusion, formed on a raised sloped wall 209 defining an entrance to the pocket 208. The pockets 208 define bearing surfaces and the dividing walls 206 define guide surfaces for guiding movement of the triple leg staples 154 as the triple leg staples 154 are ejected from the cartridge body 152 as discussed in further detail below.

Referring also to FIGS. 7-10B, the tri-staples 154 are supported on the cartridge body 152 in a first row 220 and a second row 222. The first row 220 of staples 154 is supported on the dividing walls 206 (FIG. 6) on the right side of the longitudinal slot 162 such that the staple legs of each of the tri-staples 154 are received within the longitudinal channels 204 (FIG. 6) on the right side of the longitudinal slot 162. The second row 222 of staples 154 is supported on the dividing walls 206 on the left side of the longitudinal slot 162 such that the staple legs of each of the tri-staples 154 are received within the longitudinal channels 204 on the left side of the longitudinal slot 162. Each of the staples 154 in the first row 220 is a right hand staple 154 a (FIG. 8B) and includes three staple legs including a right leg 224, a middle leg 226 and a left leg 228. In embodiments, the right leg 224 is longer than the middle leg 226 and the middle leg 226 is longer than the left leg 228. Each of the staples 154 in the second row 222 is a left hand staple 154 b and includes three staple legs including a left leg 230, a middle leg 232 and a right leg 234. In embodiments, the left leg 230 is longer than the middle leg 232 and the middle leg 232 is longer than the right leg 234. The right hand staples 154 a and the left hand staples 154 b are mirror images of each other. As such, only the right hand staples 154 a will be described in further detail herein.

As discussed above, the right hand staples 154 a (FIGS. 8B, 9B, 10B) have three staple legs including a right leg 224, a middle leg 226 and a left leg 228. Each of the legs 224, 226, and 228 has a substantially curved V-shape. The right and left legs 224 and 228 are interconnected by a backspan 240 having a U-shaped portion 242 that extends in a distal direction between the right and left legs 224 and 228. The backspan 240 includes two linear portions 243 (FIG. 10B), one on each side of the U-shaped portion 242. The linear portions 243 of the backspan 240 are received in the pockets 208 of the cartridge body 152 to rotatably support the triple leg staples 154 on the cartridge body 152. The middle leg 226 includes a hooked portion 244 that is wrapped about a distal end of the U-shaped portion 242 of the backspan 240 such that the middle leg 226 is rotatably supported about the distal end of the U-shaped portion 242. The right leg 224, the middle leg 226 and the left leg 228 each includes a tissue piercing distal end 250 that is positioned to engage a respective right, middle and left leg of an adjacent, distal triple leg staple 154 when supported within the cartridge body 152 such that the adjacent, distal triple leg staple guides movement of each triple leg staple 154 as the triple leg staples 154 are ejected from the cartridge body 152. The distal-most triple leg staple 154 c (FIG. 7) in each of the first and second rows 220 and 222 of triple leg staples 154 is a dummy staple that is not fired but rather acts as a guide for the proximal adjacent staple 154 d. In alternate embodiments, the dummy staple could be replaced with a projection (not shown) provided on the cartridge body 152 to guide movement of the distal-most triple leg staple 154.

As best shown in FIG. 9B, the distal ends of the right and left legs 224 and 228 of each triple leg staple 154 are axially aligned whereas the distal and of the middle leg 226 is positioned distally of the distal end of the right and left legs 224 and 228. The proximal end of the right leg 224 is positioned proximally of the proximal end of the left leg 228. It is noted that in both the right hand staples 154 a and the left hand staples 154 b, the longest leg, i.e., the right leg 224 and the left leg 230, respectively, is positioned furthest from the longitudinal slot 162 and the shortest leg, i.e., the left leg 228 and the right leg 234, respectively, is positioned closest to the longitudinal slot 162. This allows for greater tissue compression nearest the tissue cut line and reduced tissue compression away from the tissue cut line. By reducing tissue compression further from the cut line, a reduced amount of blood can flow towards the cutline to minimize tissue necrosis in the tissue adjacent the staple. For a more detailed discussion of the benefits of varying the staple compression between the inner and outer rows of staples, see U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,785 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, the cartridge assembly 134 (FIG. 3) includes a sled 260 that is positioned distally of the working member 122 and is movably supported within the cartridge body 152 in response to movement of the working member 122 through the cartridge body 152. The sled 260 includes six firing cams including three right side firing cams 262 and three left side firing cams 264. Each firing cam 262 and 264 is positioned to be received in one of the three longitudinal channels 204 (FIG. 6) positioned on each side of the longitudinal slot 162 of the cartridge body 152. The firing cams 262 are positioned to engage the proximal ends of the right, middle and left legs of the right hand staples 154 a and the firing cams 264 are positioned to engage the proximal ends of the left, right and middle legs of the left hand staples 154 b to simultaneously eject all three legs of each triple leg staple 154. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the distal ends 262 a-c of the right side firing cams 262 are axially offset from each other to engage the proximal ends of the legs 224, 226 and 228 of the right handed staples 154 a simultaneously and the distal ends 264 a-c of the left side firing cams 264 are axially offset from each other to engage the proximal ends of the legs 230, 232 and 234 of the left handed staples 154 b simultaneously.

Each of the firing cams 262 and 264 of the sled 260 includes a curved nose 270 that is positioned to engage and rotate a respective leg of a triple leg staple 154 to force the leg into the anvil plate 138 (FIG. 29A) until the respective leg is fully formed. Each of the firing cams 262 and 264 also includes a ramp 272 positioned proximally of the curved nose 270 that is positioned to engage the triple leg staples 154 and lift the triple leg staples 154 from the pockets 208 to separate the triple leg staples 154 from the cartridge body 152. In embodiments, the inner firing cams 262 c, 264 c have a height that is greater than the outer firing cams 262 a, 264 a and the middle firing cams 262 b, 264 b, and the middle firing cams 262 b, 264 b have a height that is greater than the outer firing cams 262 a, 264 a. As discussed above, this provides a greater compressive force on tissue closest to the tissue cut line adjacent longitudinal knife slot 162.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the staple deforming recesses 144 of the anvil plate 138 of the anvil assembly 132 has an enlarged concavity 280 having inwardly tapered walls 280 a and a channel portion 282 that extends proximally from the enlarged concavity 280. The inwardly tapered walls 280 a of each recess 144 are configured to receive the distal end 250 of a staple leg of a triple leg staple 154 and direct the distal end 250 (FIG. 29A) into the channel portion 282 of the staple deforming recess 144. The channel portion 282 has a curved bottom wall 282 a confined by sidewalls 282 b. The curved bottom wall 282 a is configured to deform the staple leg upwardly into a substantially D-shape. The sidewalls 282 b of the channel portion 282 are substantially vertical to minimize malformation of the staple leg.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the channel member 150 of the cartridge assembly 134 includes a cam surface 300 that is contiguous with the outer surface 150 a of the channel member 150. The cam surface 300 is positioned on the proximal end of the channel member 150. Prior to operation of the actuating device 12 (FIG. 1), the drive assembly 124 is in a retracted position such that the working member 122 is positioned proximally of the sled 260 and proximally of the cam surface 300. In this position, a distal end of the cartridge assembly 134 is pivoted away from the distal end of the anvil assembly 132 by a biasing member (not shown) such that the tool assembly 114 is in an open position.

Referring to FIGS. 20-28, when the actuation device 12 (FIG. 1) is operated to advance the drive assembly 124 (FIG. 20), the working member 122 of the drive assembly 124 is advanced in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 20 to a position distal of the cam surface 300 to a position slightly proximal of the sled 260. As the working member 122 moves past the cam surface 300, the lower beam 128 engages the cam surface 300 to pivot the cartridge assembly 134 in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 20 to a position in juxtaposed alignment with the anvil assembly 132 to move the tool assembly 114 to the clamped position.

In the clamped position of the tool assembly 114, each of the right side and left side firing cams 262 and 264 of the sled 260 is positioned proximally of a respective leg of the proximal-most triple leg staples 154 d (FIG. 25) and the linear portions 243 (FIG. 22) of the backspans 240 of the triple leg staples 154 are supported within the pockets 208. As discussed above, the triple leg staples 154 can be retained in the pockets 208 in a snap-fit manner with resilient retaining features 208 a. As noted above, the distal end 250 (FIG. 22) of each leg of each triple leg staple 154 is positioned to engage a leg of the adjacent distal triple leg staple 154.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-29C, when the actuating device 12 (FIG. 1) is operated to fire the triple leg staples 154, the drive assembly 124 is advanced to advance the working member 122 through the tool assembly 114. As the working member 122 translates through the tool assembly 114, the upper beam 126 of the working member 122 moves through the channel 140 defined within the anvil assembly 132 and the lower beam 128 of the working member 122 slides along the outer surface 150 a of the channel member 150 to maintain a maximum tissue gap between the anvil plate 138 and the cartridge body 152 during firing. As this occurs, the working member 122 engages the proximal end of the sled 260 to advance the sled 260 through the cartridge body 152.

As the sled 260 translates through the cartridge body 152, the firing cams 262 and 264 pass through the longitudinal channels 204 formed on the left and right sides of the longitudinal slot 162 in the direction indicated by arrows “C” in FIGS. 29A-C into engagement with each of the triple leg staple legs 154. As shown in FIGS. 29A-29C, as each of the firing cams 262 and 264 (only firing cams 262 are shown) engage the right, middle and left legs 224, 226, and 228, respectively, of the triple leg staples 154, the curved nose 270 of each firing cam 262 rotates a respective triple leg staple leg 224, 226, and 228 upwardly into a respective staple deforming recess 144. As this occurs, the linear portions 243 (FIG. 22) of the backspans 240 of the triple leg staples 154 remain supported within the pockets 208 such that the right and left triple leg staple legs 224 and 228 rotate about an axis defined by the linear portions 243 of the backspan 240 and the middle triple leg staple leg 226 rotates about the distal end of the U-shaped portion 242. As shown, as each of the triple leg staple legs rotates, the distal end 250 of each leg 224, 226 and 228 engages and is guided by the adjacent, distal triple leg staple 154.

It is noted that as the working member 122 of the drive assembly 124 translates through the tool assembly 114, the cutting edge 130 a formed on a distal side of the vertical strut 130 cuts tissue “T” clamped between the anvil plate 138 and the cartridge body 152.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-30C, as the sled 260 continues to move through the cartridge body 152 in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIGS. 30A-30B, the firing cams 262 and 264 (only firing cams 262 are shown) continue to rotate the staple legs 224, 226 and 228 upwardly into respective staple deforming recesses 144 of the anvil assembly 132 to fully deform the triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228 into a substantially D-shape. Once again, it is noted that the linear portions 243 (FIG. 22) of the backspans 240 of the triple leg staples 154 remain supported within the pockets 208 of the cartridge body 152.

Referring to FIGS. 31A-31C, after the triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228 have been fully formed and the sled 260 continues to be advanced by the actuating device 12 in the direction indicated by arrow “E” in FIGS. 31A-31C, a proximal end of each of the fully deformed triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228 is engaged by a ramp 272 of the respective firing cam 262. As the ramps 272 lift the proximal end of each of the triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228 upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “F” in FIGS. 31A-31C, the linear portions 243 (FIG. 22) of the backspans 240 of the triple leg staples 154 are disengaged from the pockets 208 to disengage the triple leg staples 154 from the cartridge body 152. As can be seen in FIGS. 31A-31C, as the ramps 272 engage the fully deformed triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228 to disengage the triple leg staples 154 from the cartridge body 152, the curved nose 270 of the firing cams 262 engage the adjacent distal triple leg staple 154 to begin to deform the triple leg staple legs 224, 226, and 228.

After the triple leg staples have been deformed and ejected from the cartridge body 152 and applied to tissue “T”, the triple leg staples define three rows of staples legs on each side of the longitudinal knife slot 162.

Referring to FIG. 33, it is envisioned that the presently disclosed surgical stapler could be provided with a buttress material 400. U.S. Publication No. 2014/0048580 discloses methods of attaching a buttress material to a surgical stapler and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling device comprising: a shaft portion; a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion, the tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body defining a plurality of pockets and at least three longitudinal channels, and a plurality of staples supported with the cartridge body, each staple of the plurality of staples having a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg being of different lengths, the first leg and the second leg being interconnected by a backspan and the third leg being formed from an element separate from the backspan and rotatably secured about the backspan, the backspan of each staple of the plurality of staples being rotatably supported within a respective one of the pockets to form the plurality of staples against the anvil assembly, wherein the backspan of each staple of the plurality of staples forms a portion of the respective staple of the plurality of staples after the plurality of staples are formed; and a sled including plurality of firing cams, each of the firing cams being positioned to engage one of the first leg, the second leg, or the third leg of the plurality of staples, the sled being movable through the cartridge body to rotate and eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge assembly.
 2. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge body defines a longitudinal knife slot and the at least three longitudinal channels includes three longitudinal channels positioned on a first side of the longitudinal knife slot and three longitudinal channels positioned on a second side of the longitudinal knife slot.
 3. The surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of staples includes a first row of staples supported on the first side of the longitudinal knife slot and a second row of staples supported on the second side of the longitudinal knife slot, each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the plurality of staples in the first row of staples being positioned in a respective one of the three longitudinal channels on the first side of the longitudinal knife slot, and each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the plurality of staples in the second row of staples being positioned in a respective one of the three longitudinal channels on the second side of the longitudinal knife slot.
 4. The surgical stapling device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of firing cams includes six firing cams, each of the firing cams being positioned to translate through one of the longitudinal channels defined in the cartridge body.
 5. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the backspan includes a U-shaped portion and two linear portions, the third leg being secured to the U-shaped portion of the backspan.
 6. The surgical stapling device according to claim 5, wherein the U-shaped portion extends distally between the first leg and the second leg and the third leg is rotatably supported to the distal end of the U-shaped portion of the backspan.
 7. The surgical stapling device according to claim 6, wherein the two linear portions of the backspan are pivotally supported within the plurality of pockets.
 8. The surgical stapling device according to claim 7, wherein each of the pockets includes a resilient retaining feature to secure the backspan within a respective pocket.
 9. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, further including a drive assembly including a drive member and a working member secured to a distal end of the drive member, the drive member having a proximal end adapted to engage an actuator device.
 10. The surgical stapling device according to claim 9, wherein the working member includes an upper beam, a lower beam, and a vertical strut interconnecting the upper beam and the lower beam, the vertical strut having a cutting edge and being positioned to translate through the longitudinal knife slot.
 11. The surgical stapling device according to claim 10, wherein the anvil assembly defines a channel that receives the upper beam and the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel that defines a longitudinal slot that receives the vertical strut, the upper beam being movable along an outer surface of the cartridge channel to define a maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
 12. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the third leg of each staple of the plurality of staples is axially offset from the first leg and the second leg.
 13. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein each firing cam of the plurality of firing cams includes a curved nose and a ramp, the curved nose being positioned to engage and rotate a respective one of the first leg, the second leg, or the third leg of the plurality of staples and the ramp being positioned to disengage the plurality of staples from the pockets of the cartridge body.
 14. The surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the ramp has a height greater than the curved nose.
 15. A surgical triple leg staple comprising: a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a backspan, each of the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg being of different lengths, the first leg and the second leg being interconnected by the backspan and the third leg being formed from an element separate from the backspan and rotatably secured about the backspan, the first leg extending along a first plane, the second leg extending along a second plane, and the third leg extending along a third plane, the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane being spaced from each other and parallel to each other, the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the surgical triple leg staple being deformable from a non-formed condition to a formed condition, wherein in the formed condition, the backspan forms a portion of the surgical triple leg staple.
 16. The surgical triple leg staple according to claim 15, wherein the backspan includes a U-shaped portion and two linear portions, the third leg being secured to the U-shaped portion of the backspan.
 17. The surgical triple leg staple according to claim 16, wherein the U-shaped portion extends between the first leg and the second leg and the third leg is rotatably supported on an end of the U-shaped portion of the backspan.
 18. The surgical triple leg staple according to claim 16, wherein the two linear portions of the backspan engage ends of the first leg and the second leg, respectively.
 19. The surgical triple leg staple according to claim 15, wherein the first leg and the second leg are axially offset from the third leg. 